JUBILANT Conservatives were today celebrating after Will Quince was voted into power with a landslide majority.

The young pretender swept into power taking the seat from veteran MP Sir Bob Russell.

Mr Quince, who is 32, said he was "ecstatic but humble" after winning the seat polling 18,919 votes - 5,575 votes ahead of Sir Bob.

In doing so he overturned a previous majority of 6,982.

Mr Quince thanked the Colchester electorate for putting their trust in him and promised not to let them down.

He said: "It is incredibly exciting but I am also truly humbled.

"I genuinely pay tribute to Sir Bob Russell. We may have our political differences but he was a good local MP.

"I hope I can be a strong voice in the heart of the next Government."

Outgoing MP Sir Bob Russell said the shock defeat marked the end of his political career.

He said: “That is life. I came in on a political tide and I am gone out on one.

“I have had a good innings. I am 69 and perhaps it is time I retired. I do an 80 hour week as an MP.

“As my wife, Audrey, said perhaps it is time we have an ordinary life.

“I have served in public life for 44 years and no-one else has done that.”

Catch up with all the action by looking back through our live blog.

Monday's Gazette will be an election special with several pages of analysis and reaction.